Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-15
A CHURCH TROUBLE.
REV. WILLIAM TROY ORDERED OUT OF
HIS PULPIT.
Objections to the New Preacher BY Friends
Of Defeated Candidates.

"BroIher Troy, you must go out OF
this pulpit"
This remark was addressed to the
newly. chosen shepherd OF the flock OF
the Second Baptist church (colored),
corner Byrd and First streets, as he
arose, Bible in hand, to give out his
text Sunday afternoon.
The Rev Troy was formerly pastor OF
this church, but about eight months ago
resigned, though continually pressed to
remain No step was taken to fill his
place until the 2ith of October, when
the congregation met for this purpose.
Three persons were put in nomination
Rev. Robinson, of Portsmouth Profes-
sor Jones, OF Richmond Colored lnsti-
tutc, and Rev. William Troy.
BROTHER TROY ELECTED.
The character of each was eulogized in
elaborate style, and ii was agreed that
the one receiving the most votes should
be declared elected pastor. Troy led with
20 votes, Robinson followed him closely
with G6, and Jones brought up the rear
with 3. The chairman of the meeting,
Deacon William II. White, declared Troy
elected, and he was telegraphed at Lex
ington, where he happened to be at the
time and asked if he would hearken to
the voice of the majority. He replied
that he would, and added 81 will be in
Richmond Sunday the 18th to take
charge
DISSATISFACTION.
Before the Rev. Troy's arrival the
regular monthly meeting Of the congre-
cation was held, and there disposition
to rescind the action of the previous
meeting was manifested by the element
not favorable to the chosen minister.
The opposition amounted TO nothing,
however, because it came from the
minority, and one Of the congregations
rules is that no such motion can be made
except by one of the majority. a good
deal of bad feeling was exhibited and
the meeting adjourned in confusion.
MORNING SERVICE.
On Sunday morning Parson Troy APP
peared, went to Sabbath school, and sub
sequcntly to the church. The service
proceeded without unpleasant incident
and when it was over he announced that
he would preach again at $780,
AFTERNOON.
At the appointed hour the church was
packed. People were crowded in the
pews and wcdged in the aisles. When
Pastor Troy arrived he found a number
Of men standing around mysteriously,
and as he WAS about to enter they at
tempted to stop him, saying he should
not preach. A paper was put before him
and he WAS asked to read IT, but he said
be would not, and pushing through the
confused mass lac entered and began the
service.
TROUBLE.
4 hymn was sung, a prayer was Of
fored, and Troy was about to 5egin
preaching, when a man named James
johnson. one of the congregation, strobe
into the pulpit, and, laying his hand on
Troy's shoulder. told him 10 leave the
pulpit.
Troy said hc wouldn't. 81 am pur-
suing my line of duty, and l refuse to
obey you.
\ dCath-llkc stiffness relGned rs the
congregation, with their eyes focused
ON the two, waited the next move.
"I'll have you arrested if you don't,
shouted johnson rXcitedly.
Troy calmly repeated his intention to
remain in the pulpit and ordered John
son out.
johnson made no reply and left.
The minister then opened his Bible
and read ms text, "CaSt down bW not
dcsfroycd,' and preached a lengthy
sermon, which was received with touch
ing indications of approval by the large
multitude present.
The dissatisfied portion Of the congre-
cation attempted after church TO raise a
row. and war of words ensued. Trouble
being feared the Third police station
was telephoncd forpoicc, three of whom
promptly came TO the spot
Pastor Troy again preached at night.
No arrests were made.